This invention relates generally to disinfecting compositions for preventing microbial infections and, more particularly, to an adherent matrix for preventing transmission and propagation of bacterial infections in dairy cows, and for preventing the transfer of bacteria into areas of skin penetration, such as wounds, phlebotomy sites and surgical or other incisions.

Bacterial infections affect a wide variety of animals (including humans), threatening their health and safety. For example, mastitis is a highly infectious bacterial infection affecting mammalian mammary glands. It is the most common, and the most costly, disease affecting dairy cows. Mastitis exists in two forms: "clinical," characterized by visually detectable alterations in milk and mammary gland, and "subclinical," where the infection is not directly evident by visual inspection. It has been estimated that at least one-half of the cows in the United States have mastitis, and most of these infections are subclinical.

Many bacterial pathogens can cause mastitis, including Strep. agalactiae, Staph. aureus, Strep. uberis, Strep. dysgalactiae, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella species. Of these pathogens, Strep. agalactiae and Staph. aureus are associated with infections that arise primarily from contaminated milking equipment. Such infections are known as "contagious mastitis." The other mastitis infections, known as "environmental mastitis," primarily result from pathogens that contact the teat during the inter-milking period. These pathogens may be transferred from wind-borne matter, bedding material or ground contaminants, such as soil and manure, that contact the udder when the animal lies down. In all cases, the route of transmission of the pathogen to the inner gland is through the teat orifice.

To prevent mastitis, a variety of disinfecting teat dips have been developed. These disinfectants include iodophors, quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, organic acids (e.g., capric, lactic, lauric), dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DDBSA), and chlorous acid. Several of these materials are very effective in limiting the transmission of contagious mastitis by destroying the pathogens that contact the teat during, and immediately subsequent to, the milking operation. However, these teat dips do not have sufficient longevity to protect the teat from bacteria that contact the udder during the 8 to 12 hour inter-milking period, particularly in inclement weather and when the animal lies down.

A few longer-lasting protective compositions have been developed that reduce the incidence of environmental mastitis, but these compositions have inherent practical problems in both application and maintenance. For example, a non-germicidal acrylic latex teat dip, which dries as a protective film over the teat end and remains intact until the following milking, significantly reduces the possibility of acquiring certain infections. However, other infections may be fostered by its application, since bacteria tend to propagate in the moist region between the skin and such latex coatings. This can irritate the dermal layer and act as a conduit for the transfer of organisms to the teat orifice. Furthermore, the acrylic latex dip is inconvenient for dairy herders who must physically strip the latex from each teat prior to milking the animal. Despite the addition of germicides to alleviate the skin irritation, the acrylic latex dip has not proven to be commercially viable since inconvenience, incomplete action, and expense have remained prevalent and insurmountable problems.

A more successful composition for preventing mastitis is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,891,216. That patent is directed to a disinfecting composition in which longevity is achieved using a gelling agent formed from the polymerization of the monomer 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid ("polysulfonic acid"). This polysulfonic acid gelling agent is compatible with the metastable chlorous acid disinfecting system of U.S. Patent No. 4,986,990, and forms a protective film over the teat end which limits the passage of contaminating environmental pathogens into the teat during the inter-milking period. This composition has been proven effective in field studies and is widely accepted by consumers for prevention of mastitis, and is sold under the name UDDER-GOLD (Alcide Corporation, Redmond, Washington).

However, in spite of the many positive attributes of the disinfecting composition of U.S. Patent No. 4,891,216, the strong affinity of the polysulfonic acid gelling agent to the dermal layer has proven problematic. Specifically, the polysulfonic acid film has a tendency to form a stubborn solid matrix at the teat end, especially when teat dip residues from prior applications have not been thoroughly washed off. Thus, after a series of successive post-milking applications accompanied by only partial removal of the residual film, the dairy herder is faced with a hard deposit at the teat end. Physical removal of the deposit can result in skin irritation and possibly removal of dermal tissue. The resulting sore areas and lesions cause significant discomfort during milking, particularly when vacuum milkers are used. In addition, when the polysulfonic acid gelling agent is combined with a metal chlorite (which, in combination with a suitable acid, generates the metastable chlorous acid disinfecting system), a high level of salts is produced. Such salts are potentially irritating to the teat skin when the solution dries to a hyperosmotic state.

Furthermore, manufacture of the disinfecting composition of U.S. Patent No. 4,891,216 is complicated by the use of the polysulfonic acid gelling agent. Polysulfonic acid is commercially available only as a highly viscous aqueous solution (ca. 16% solids) with a pH ≤ 1 (e.g., HSP-1180 from Henkel Corporation). As a result, manufacture of the disinfecting composition requires a preheating step to soften the polysulfonic acid, as well as high pressure to transfer the aqueous polymer to a mixing container. In addition, the polysulfonic acid polymer is difficult to use in the protic acid component of the disinfecting composition. Because of the high acidity of the polysulfonic acid polymer, it is difficult to precisely adjust the pH of a partially neutralized solution of polysulfonic acid and a protic acid so that the pH of the final composition is reproducible. Such predictability is required for uniformity of action since the concentration of chlorous acid in the disinfecting composition is critically dependent on the pH. The irreproducibility of pH when polysulfonic acid is used as the gelling agent substantially increases the cost of manufacture, and ultimately, the finished product.

In addition to bacterial pathogens that cause mastitis, bacterial pathogens in general present a threat to the health and safety of patients wherever an area of skin is penetrated. For example, such pathogens may be a hazard during surgical procedures. Without adequate disinfection of the incision site prior to surgery, surface microorganisms or "skin flora" may transfer into the incision during surgery, resulting in internal infections after closure of the incision. To prevent such infections, known as "septic infections," it is critical to disinfect the incision site prior to surgery with a disinfectant that possesses a high antimicrobial activity and a broad spectrum of action. Since surgical procedures can last for many hours, it is also important that the initial disinfection of the incision site provide antimicrobial activity for an extended period of time.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration requires that a presurgical skin disinfectant be capable of reducing the number of flora on dry skin areas, such as an abdomen, by at least 2.5 logs or to levels that are too low for reliable quantification (less than about 25 cfu/cm²). On moist skin, such as inguinal areas, the disinfectant must reduce the initial bacterial population by a minimum of 3.2 logs (1.5 x10³ cfu/ml), and maintain this level of bacteriostasis for at least four hours.

Presently, two antimicrobial materials have the requisite antimicrobial activity and longevity for use as a presurgical disinfectant. Both chlorhexidine gluconate (sold, for example, under the trademark HIBICLENS) and iodophors (sold, for example, under the trademark BETADINE) can protect patients from septic infections. However, these products require double applications and extended scrubbing with intervening wiping in order to adequately reduce microbial counts. For example, HIBICLENS calls for two individual 2- to 3- minute skin scrubbings, each with fresh material, with the final scrub allowed to dry on the skin. Similarly, BETADINE requires two 4-minute scrubbings, with the final scrub also allowed to dry on the skin. This lengthy scrubbing and drying period increases the time required to prepare a patient for surgery. The use of these products is therefore very costly, tying up the operating theater and a staff of medical professionals for the duration of the disinfecting process.

A disinfecting system that can function more rapidly, and thus reduce skin disinfection times significantly, is the chlorous acid system as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,986,990. In that system, chlorous acid is produced in an aqueous medium by mixing a metal chlorite with a protic acid. The chlorous acid then degrades to a series of cidal oxidants, including chlorine dioxide, which collectively form the active disinfecting system.

Chlorous acid compositions can retain their antimicrobial activity for an extended period of time in dilute aqueous solution. However, these compositions lose their disinfecting properties when the aqueous solvent evaporates. Upon evaporation of the solvent, the chlorite ion converts to the corresponding chlorous acid form (HClO₂) and then to solid, inert residues of chloride and chlorate salts as the gaseous ClO₂ evaporates. As a result, these compositions have an active life of only a few minutes if used for presurgical skin disinfection.

Film-forming polymers can be used to generate intact films that remain on the skin for many hours after application, and such films may provide a physical barrier against deposition of environmental microorganisms on the skin at surgical sites. However, the use of film-forming polymers has not resulted in prolonging antimicrobial activity to supplement the protection afforded by the physical barrier of the film. In addition, there are only a few gelling agents that are stable in both the chlorite component solution and the acidic chlorous acid disinfecting composition. To date, only a polysulfonic acid polymer has been used in conjunction with the chlorous acid system disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,891,216. The resulting composition, however, was found to generate a final film that was too tacky to be aesthetically acceptable. Thus, in spite of the potential advantages associated with the use of the chlorous acid system for presurgical disinfection, the extended 4-hour bacteriostasis required by the FDA has yet to be been attained for this system.

Extended disinfection is similarly important for non-surgical skin openings. For example, in disinfecting wound sites, it is important in many situations to not only destroy all contaminating pathogenic organisms, but to protect the wounds from subsequent contamination by environmental pathogen carriers such as air and clothing. Bandaging of sites will offer some protection as a physical barrier to environmental contamination, but often bandaging materials are counterindicated (e.g., on burned skin areas). No currently available skin antiseptic can provide the needed long-term disinfection (e.g., disinfection for a day or more).

The areas surrounding in-dwelling catheters represent additional sites where both initial antisepsis and continued protection from bacterial penetration, over many days, is a necessity. Initial disinfection with, for example, alcohol, iodophors or chlorhexidine prior to insertion of a catheter is usually effective, but the region around the insertion site and the incised tissue is susceptible to rapid growth of contaminating pathogens.

In a like manner, blood-drawing sites (i.e., in the elbow crease) can represent surface areas where bacterial invasion may occur. This is increasingly likely for frequent blood donors, or for those individuals from whom blood samples are often taken. Frequent transdermal penetration in these areas results in tissue scarring (overtly visible and otherwise), characterized by uneven skin surfaces harboring organisms which are difficult to reach and destroy. When such areas are subsequently penetrated during injections or for blood transfusion, small sections of contaminated tissue can be carried directly into the blood stream. In such cases the prior application to these surfaces of a topical antiseptic with protracted antimicrobial activity would help in destroying these poorly accessible organisms.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a suitable disinfecting composition which will surmount the problems identified above. More specifically, there is a need in the art for a long-lasting disinfecting composition which will adhere to surfaces in an acceptable manner, that is easy to handle and manufacture, and that provides a readily-removable anti-microbial protective layer. There is a need in the art for a presurgical skin disinfectant of high antimicrobial capacity that can be applied rapidly in a single application, and that retains its disinfecting properties over the extended time periods of some surgical procedures. There is a similar need in the art for a topical antiseptic for use on wounds and injection or insertion sites that maintains a high antimicrobial activity for extended periods. The present invention fulfills these needs, and provides further related advantages.

In brief, this invention is directed to an adherent disinfecting composition for preventing microbial infections, as well as methods related to the use thereof for disinfecting substrate surfaces, including the skin of warm-blooded animals. The disinfecting composition comprises a protic acid, a metal chlorite, and a gelling agent of which at least about 15% by weight is polyacrylamide. Optionally, the disinfecting composition further comprises a non-gelling film-former, a humectant, a preservative and/or a dye.

In one embodiment, the substrate surface is the teat of a dairy cow, and a composition of this invention may be applied to the teat resulting in the formation of an adherent matrix which disinfects and protects the teat from microbial infection.

In another embodiment, a composition of this invention may be applied to the surface of skin to disinfect the surface prior to surgery. In a further embodiment, the composition may be applied to a wound site to disinfect the site and provide protection against subsequent contamination. In yet another embodiment the composition may be applied to an injection or insertion site, such as a catheter or phlebotomy site, to disinfect the site and prevent the transfer of pathogens from the skin to the site.

These and other aspects of this invention will become evident upon reference to the following detailed description.

This invention is generally directed to an adherent disinfecting composition suitable for protecting against microbial infection. The disinfecting composition is applied to a substrate surface where it forms an "adherent matrix," which is a film or gel on the substrate surface that actively protects against microbial infection.

In the context of the present invention, the term "disinfecting composition" refers to a composition (prior to application to the substrate surface and the formation of the adherent matrix) comprising a protic acid, a metal chlorite and a gelling agent. The term "protic acid" is defined in greater detail below. A "metal chlorite" refers to alkali metal chlorites and alkaline earth metal chlorites, and includes so-called "stabilized chlorine dioxide" products that contain an alkali metal chlorite or an alkaline earth metal chlorite. The term "gelling agent" refers to a composition which, when combined with the other components of the disinfecting composition, increases the gelatinous quality or viscosity of the disinfecting composition and/or the adherent matrix; the term "non-gelling film-former" refers to a composition which, when added to the disinfecting composition, increases the membranous or film-like character of the adherent matrix without affecting the viscosity of both the disinfecting composition and the adherent matrix; and the term "humectant" refers to a composition added as a softening agent which attracts moisture to the skin, aiding in skin hydration. The term "preservative" refers to a composition added to the protic acid component to prevent deterioration of the protic acid component.

The disinfecting composition of this invention may be provided in multiple phases. In one embodiment, the disinfecting composition is provided in three phases: a "protic acid solution" (which is an aqueous protic acid composition), a metal chlorite (in the form of a powder or an aqueous solution) and a gelling agent. In a preferred embodiment, the disinfecting composition is provided in two phases. The first phase comprises the protic acid. This phase may be a protic acid solution or a "protic acid gel," which is an aqueous composition comprising a protic acid and gelling agent. The second phase comprises the metal chlorite. If the first phase does not contain all of the gelling agent in the disinfecting composition, the second phase may additionally comprise some or all of the gelling agent. An aqueous phase that contains both metal chlorite and gelling agent is referred to as a "metal chlorite gel." In this two-phase system, all of the gelling agent in the disinfecting composition is provided in one or both of the phases.

Regardless of the form in which the gelling agent is provided, the total amount of gelling agent in the disinfecting composition generally ranges from about 0.25% to about 5.0% by weight of the disinfecting composition.

In one embodiment of this invention, such as when the substrate surface is the teat of a dairy cow, the total amount of gelling agent in the disinfecting composition generally ranges from about 0.5% to about 5.0%, preferably from about 1.0% to about 4.0%, and more preferably from about 1.25% to about 3.0% by weight of the disinfecting composition.

In another embodiment, such as when the substrate surface is the skin of an animal prior to surgery, the total amount of gelling agent in the disinfecting composition generally ranges from about 0.25% to about 3.0%, preferably from about 0.25% to about 2.0%, and more preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight of the disinfecting composition. The amount of gelling agent may depend on the location of the surface subject to disinfection. For horizontal surfaces, by way of example, gelling agents are generally present in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight of the disinfecting composition. For vertical surfaces, the amount of gelling agent typically ranges from about 0.75% to about 2.5% by weight of the disinfecting composition.

The gelling agent of this invention is chosen to provide exceptional stability and other beneficial properties to the disinfecting composition and adherent matrix, as well as to the metal chlorite gel. To this end, the gelling agent is stable for a long period of time in the metal chlorite gel (alkaline), and for at least 8-24 hours in the disinfecting composition (acidic). Thus, the gelling agent possesses the unusual property of maintaining its viscosity in both alkaline and acidic chlorite conditions.

Most compounds commonly employed as gelling agents do not possess the stability necessary for use in the practice of this invention. For example, although polyacrylic acid polymers (e.g., "carbopols") will maintain their viscosity in the alkaline oxidizing environment of chlorite solutions, these polymers lose much of their viscosity when the alkaline system (associated with -COO^- Na⁺ groups on the polymer) converts to acidic conditions after contact with the protic acid components. Similarly, polymers susceptible to oxidative cleavage are not stable in the disinfecting composition. As a result, polymers derived from sugars, such as carrageenan (a polygalactan), ethyl-, methyl-, hydroxyethyl-, methyl hydroxyethyl- and methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, guar gum (a galactose/mannose polymer) and many naturally occurring polymers do not provide the desired stability, despite the fact that such materials may maintain their viscosity under both acid and alkaline conditions. Synthetic polymers derived from poly(alkylene oxide) chains (e.g., polyethylene oxide family) are also subject to such oxidative degradation, and therefore do not confer the desired stability. While these and other polymers may be present in the disinfecting composition, the amount of such additional polymers is maintained at a level such that they do not significantly detract from the viscosity of the disinfecting composition and the adherence of the protective barrier. Preferably, such polymers are present only in the protic acid component.

Of the numerous gelling agents commercially available, it has surprisingly been found that, in addition to the polysulfonic acid disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,891,216, only polyacrylamide is suitable in the practice of this invention. More specifically, the polyacrylamide of the present invention has the following formula: wherein X has a value such that the molecular weight is from about 1,000,000 to 20,000,000, preferably from about 2,500,000 to 10,000,000.

In the practice of this invention, between 15% ad 100% of the gelling agent used to formulate the disinfecting composition must be polyacrylamide. Within this range,the amount of polyacrylamide may be varied, as described in more detail below, to alter the characteristics of the disinfecting composition and adherent matrix for specific applications. In a preferred embodiment, substantially all of the gelling agent that is not polyacrylamide is polysulfonic acid, or a suitable sulfonate salt thereof. The preparation of such compounds is disclosed and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,891,216, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The protic acid component of the disinfecting composition may be any acid or mixture of acids capable of reducing the pH of the disinfecting composition to below about 6. Protic acids include organic acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acids of the general formula: wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, -CH₂COOH, -CH₂OH, -CHOHCOOH and -C₆H₅. In a preferred embodiment, the protic acid is a organic acid having a pK ranging from about 2.8 to about 4.2; and more preferably from about 3.0 to about 4.0. Typical organic acids include citric, malic, tartaric, glycolic, lactic, and mandelic. Alternatively, the protic acid may be an inorganic acid having a pK ranging from about 0 to about 2.2, such as sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acid.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the concentration of protic acid in the disinfecting composition will vary depending on the strength of the protic acid. Organic acids will generally be present in a amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the disinfecting composition. Stronger inorganic acids will generally be present in an amount ranging from about 0.005% to about 2% by weight of the disinfecting composition. In either case, the amount of protic acid in the disinfecting composition is sufficient to lower the pH of the disinfecting composition to below about 6, preferably from about 2 to about 5, ad more preferably from about 2.5 to about 4.

In the practice of this invention, the protic acid may be provided as a protic acid solution or in the form of a protic acid gel, which comprises a protic acid and a gelling agent. In either case, the amount of protic acid in the solution or gel is sufficient to render the pH of the protic acid solution or gel generally less than about 5.5, typically from about 2.0 to about 4.5, and preferably from about 2.2 to about 4.0.

In the case of a protic acid gel, the gelling agent comprises one or more compounds that increase the viscosity of the gel. The gelling agent is generally present in amounts up to about 10%. In one embodiment, such as when the substrate surface is the teat of a dairy cow, the gelling agent is typically present up to about 4.0%, ad preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.0% of the protic acid gel by weight. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, at least 50% of the gelling agent in the protic acid gel is polyacrylamide. In another embodiment, such as when the substrate surface is the skin of a animal prior to surgery, the gelling agent is generally present in amounts up to 6.0%, typically from about 0.25% to about 3.0%, and preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.5% of the protic acid gel by weight. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, at least 50% of the gelling agent in the protic acid gel is polyacrylamide, and more preferably, substantially all of the gelling agent in the protic acid gel is polyacrylamide.

Optionally, the protic acid solution or gel additionally comprises one or more of the following: a humectant, a preservative and/or a dye. The optional humectant portion of the protic acid solution or gel comprises any suitable humectant known in the art, including, by way of example, glycerin and sorbitol. A humectant is a hydrophilic material that holds and attracts moisture to the skin, aiding in skin hydration. Humectants generally comprise up to 15.0% of the protic acid solution or gel. In one embodiment, such as when the substrate surface is the teat of a dairy cow, the humectant may rage from about 2.0% to 10.0%, and preferably from about 4.0% to 8.0% by weight of the protic acid solution or gel. In another embodiment, such as when the substrate surface is the skin of an animal prior to surgery, the humectant generally comprises up to 5.0%, typically from about 0.2% to 2.0%, and preferably from about 0.4% to 0.8% by weight of the protic acid solution or gel.

The optional preservative portion of the protic acid solution or gel comprises any suitable preservative known in the art, including, by way of example, benzyl alcohol ad sodium benzoate. Preservatives generally comprise up to 0.08%, typically from about 0.01% to 0.06%, and preferably from about 0.02% to 0.04% of the protic acid solution or gel. The optional dye may be any suitable dye known in the art including, by way of example, FD&C Yellow #5.

In an embodiment where the disinfecting composition is used as, for example, a presurgical skin disinfectant, the protic acid solution or gel may optionally comprise a non-gelling film-former. A non-gelling film-former is a polymer that dissolves in water and dries to a coherent film, but that does not interact with water molecules sufficiently for gelation to occur. While some gelling agents, such as polyacrylamide, form films as well as gels, a non-gelling film-former may be added to supplement the film provided by the gelling agent. Suitable non-gelling film-formers for supplementing the residual film provided by the gelling agent may be selected from those known in the art to be non-toxic and non-reactive (i.e., that do not react with chlorous acid or other components of the disinfecting composition). Non-gelling film-formers should also form clear solutions and should dry to films that are not tacky. Suitable non-gelling film-formers include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), partially acetylated PVA, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic and methacrylic acids, and polyoxyethylene/propylene polymers and copolymers. Non-gelling film-formers may be added to the protic acid solution or gel in an amount dependent on the desired characteristics of the combined gel. Non-gelling film-formers may provide up to 3.0%, preferably from about 0.25% to about 2.0%, and more preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight of the protic acid solution or gel.

The metal chlorite component of the disinfecting composition may be any water-soluble chlorite. Typical water-soluble chlorites include alkali metal chlorites and alkaline earth metal chlorites. Sodium chlorite and potassium chlorite are preferred, and sodium chlorite is particularly preferred.

In the practice of this invention, chlorous acid degrades to a series of cidal oxidants which, along with the chlorous acid, act as antimicrobial agents. The amount of chlorite ion that is in the form of chlorous acid varies, depending on the pH of the composition. When the protic acid is an organic acid, with a pK greater than about 2.8, the metal chlorite is present in an amount such that no more than about 15% of the chlorite ion is in the form of chlorous acid. When the protic acid is a strong acid, with a pK lower than about 2.8, the metal chlorite may be used in a amount such that the amount of chlorite ion in the form of chlorous acid is no more than about 25% of the total chlorite ion.

To maintain the above chlorous acid concentration, the chlorite is present in the disinfecting composition in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 1.0% by weight. Preferably, the chlorite is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.45%, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.35%, by weight of the disinfecting composition.

The metal chlorite may be provided in powder form, in an aqueous solution or in the form of a metal chlorite gel. In the case of a metal chlorite gel, the gelling agent comprises one or more compounds that increase the viscosity of the gel, and the gelling agent is generally present in amounts up to about 10%. In one embodiment, such as when the substrate surface is the teat of a dairy cow, the gelling agent preferably comprises from about 1.0% to about 5.0%, and more preferably from about 2.0% to about 4.0% by weight of the metal chlorite gel. In another embodiment, such as when the substrate surface is the skin of an animal prior to surgery, the gelling agent is generally present in amounts up to about 6.0%, preferably from about 0.25% to about 3.0%, and more preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight of the metal chlorite gel. In a preferred embodiment, at least 15% of the gelling agent in the metal chlorite gel is polyacrylamide, and more preferably at least about 50% of the gelling agent in the metal chlorite gel is polyacrylamide.

In a embodiment where the disinfecting composition is used as, for example, a presurgical skin disinfectant, the metal chlorite component may optionally comprise one or more of the following: a non-gelling film former, a humectant and/or a dye. Suitable non-gelling film-formers, humectants and dyes for use in the formulation of the metal chlorite gel are the same as described above in conjunction with the protic acid solution or gel.

The pH of the metal chlorite component should generally be maintained at greater than about 8, typically from about 8.5 to 12 and preferably from about 9 to 11. Suitable compounds for adjusting the pH of the metal chlorite component will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and include sodium hydroxide.

By varying the amount and composition of the gelling agent, the characteristics of the disinfecting composition and adherent matrix formed therefrom may be varied according to the desired antimicrobial application. Characteristics which may be varied include: drying time, tackiness, ease of removal with or without water, affinity to skin, viscosity, and membranous quality. In the practice of this invention, these characteristics are generally controlled by varying the amount and nature of the gelling agent and the ratio of polyacrylamide to polysulfonic acid, or gelling agent to non-gelling film-formers.

For example, in some applications it may be advantageous to increase or decrease the viscosity of the disinfecting composition. The disinfecting composition will require a higher viscosity when the adherent matrix is to be formed on vertical surfaces, and when a thicker adherent matrix (which is less susceptible to erosion or rupture) or extended antimicrobial or barrier properties are desired. In contrast, the disinfecting composition will require a lower viscosity when the adherent matrix is to be formed on horizontal surfaces, when a thinner adherent matrix is desired, when gauze or cotton applicators are used, when faster evaporation is desired, and when there are nooks and crannies on the surface that must be filled.

For presurgical application, a lower viscosity in the range of about 5 cps to about 100 cps is generally appropriate. This slightly enhanced viscosity is generally sufficient to prevent run-off from the skin and to form a cohesive occlusive film that retains residual antimicrobial material, such as unreacted acid. For other applications, such as wounds on vertical skin surfaces, viscosities of about 50 cps to 500 cps are more appropriate.

For some applications, where extended antimicrobial activity is of particular importance, the composition may be formulated so as to entrap free acid within the adherent matrix. To provide sufficient free acid, the level of protic acid used in combination with the metal chlorite can be set such that there is a significant molar excess of such acid with respect to the level of chlorite salt. When the chlorite salt has been completely converted to its acid form, therefore, there will remain a discrete quantity of unconsumed free acid. The latter, when entrapped in the residual film from this disinfecting composition, provides extended antimicrobial activity to the film. Unlike other antimicrobial agents which might be entrapped in topical films, and which lose activity within hours of application, these acids will tend to remain in their active, free acid form by reaction with natural acidity supplied by the acid mantle on skin surfaces.

To prepare a disinfecting composition with a lower viscosity, the amount of gelling agent may be decreased. A high level of gelling agent, such as about 5%, will generate a product that leaves a relatively large quantity of material on the substrate surface. The use of a lower level of gelling agent (less than about 1%) will result in a product that leaves lower amounts of material on the substrate surface. In determining how much gelling agent should be used, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the molecular weights of the gelling agents may be taken into account. A lesser amount of a long-chain polymer will impart the same viscosity to a solution as a greater amount of a shorter-chain polymer. In addition, equal-viscosity formulations prepared from long- and short-chain polymers will deposit adherent matrices having different thicknesses. The use of short-chain polymers will result in the deposition of a thicker adherent matrix.

To maintain a cohesive film while decreasing the amount of gelling agent, the amount of non-gelling film-formers may be increased. The use of a low level of gelling agent (less than about 1%) will result in a product that leaves relatively low amounts of material on the substrate surface. In determining how much gelling agent should be used, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the molecular weights of the gelling agents may be taken into account. In other words, a lesser amount of a long-chain polymer may impart the same viscosity to a solution as a greater amount of a shorter-chain polymer.

For other applications it may be advantageous to increase or decrease the adherent affinity of the matrix to the skin. For use on udders of dairy cows, the composition should demonstrate sufficient affinity to the skin so that it is not readily removed by abrasion or contact, and yet is readily removable prior to milking. Generally, polysulfonic acid has a higher affinity for skin (polyacrylamide does not have as high affinity for skin, but forms a more cohesive film and dries more fully). Thus, a higher level of polysulfonic acid (e.g., greater than about 2% by weight of the total composition), ad a lower level of polyacrylamide (e.g., less than about 0.75% by weight of the composition), will generate an adherent matrix with a relatively high affinity for the skin. The affinity for skin is also a function of the amount and nature of non-gelling film-formers.

To prevent build-up after repeated use, it may be advantageous to increase the ease with which the adherent matrix may be removed with water. Ease of removability is enhanced by increasing the polyacrylamide component. A suitable formulation for application to allow removal with water, and yet protect mammalian teats from microbial infection, includes a composition in which about 50% of the gelling agent in the metal chlorite gel is polyacrylamide in combination with a protic acid gel in which 100% of the gelling agent is polyacrylamide, where the total amount of gelling agent in the disinfecting composition ranges from about 0.5% to about 2.5%. A preferred formulation for presurgical application that will protect the site from microbial infection and yet be readily removed, includes a composition in which substantially all of the gelling agent in the disinfecting composition is polyacrylamide, where the total amount of gelling agent ranges from about 0.25% to about 1.5% by weight of the disinfecting composition.

It may also be advantageous to generate a disinfecting composition that dries rapidly. Drying time of the disinfecting composition is important when the surface will be exposed to foreign material which may stick to the adherent matrix, or for cosmetic reasons. Drying time of the disinfecting composition is also important when the length of time required to prepare the patient for surgery is of particular concern, and when preparing sites for injection or transdermal insertion of a catheter. When altering this characteristic, temperature, which tends to enhance evaporation, and humidity, which tends to suppress evaporation and increase drying time, should be taken into account. In general, increasing the ratio of polyacrylamide to polysulfonic acid decreases the drying time because of the lower affinity of polyacrylamide for water. Typical ratios of polyacrylamide to polysulfonic acid for rapidly drying disinfecting compositions rage from about 0.5:1 to about 5:1, and preferably from about 1:1 to about 3:1 for use on udders of dairy cows. Typical ratios of polyacrylamide to polysulfonic acid for rapidly drying disinfecting compositions range from about 1:1 to about 10:1, preferably from about 2:1 to about 5:1 for presurgical applications.

When the disinfecting composition of this invention is provided in two phases, the protic acid solution or gel and the metal chlorite solution or gel are mixed in suitable ratios to generate the chlorous acid, and the disinfecting composition is then applied to the surface to be disinfected. Preferably, the two phases are combined in approximately equal parts. More preferably, the disinfecting composition is mixed immediately prior to application.

In one aspect of the present invention, the disinfecting composition may be applied to mammalian teats. The composition may be applied by any one of several means, including dipping, from one of a series of commercially available dip cups, or spraying from a nozzle suitably adjusted to dispense a gelled formulation. Although the effective amount may vary, generally 0.5 to 2.0 grams of disinfecting composition is sufficient. A more viscous formulation (≥ 1000 cps) will generally deposit closer to 2.0 grams per teat.

An effective amount of the disinfecting composition for presurgical application to skin will vary. Generally, a sufficient amount will be that which reduces the microbial population by more than 3.2 logs per square centimeter of skin for a period of four hours. The application of about 0.1 to 4.0 grams to an area of about 1 to 10 square inches will typically afford antimicrobial barrier protection. The disinfecting composition is applied to the skin and allowed to dry on the skin surface to yield the adherent matrix.

The present invention is illustrated by the following examples, which are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Unless otherwise noted, all parts and percentages in the examples, as well as the specification and claims, are by weight.

This example illustrates the use of a representative disinfecting composition of the present invention as a teat dip for application to cow udders, where the resulting adherent matrix has moderate adherence, and is relatively easy to remove from the skin of the teat.

A protic acid gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Polyacrylamide 2.00% Lactic acid 2.64% Sodium benzoate 0.04% Poloxamer 188 0.40% FD&C Yellow #5 0.30% Water q.s.

A metal chlorite gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Polyacrylamide 2.00% Triton X-100 0.45% Sodium chlorite 0.64% Titanium dioxide 0.01% Sodium hydroxide to pH 11 Water q.s.

The two gels are blended in approximately equal amounts, preferably just prior to application. The resulting gel is applied to the cow teat, forming a solid shield around the teat upon drying. The adherent matrix (resulting from evaporation of the water component) forms a protective barrier over the teat end which is readily removed by rinsing the teat with water immediately prior to milking.

This example illustrates the use of a representative disinfecting composition of the present invention as a teat dip for application to cow udders, where the resulting adherent matrix has a significant degree of adherence to the skin of the teat but can be readily removed by vigorous washing.

A protic acid gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Malic acid 3.00% Natrosol 250MR 1.00% Isopropyl alcohol 2.00% Sodium benzoate 0.04% Poloxamer 188 0.40% FD&C Yellow #5 0.30% Water q.s.

A metal chlorite gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Polyacrylamide 0.50% Polysulfonic acid, 16% solution 15.00% NaOH, 1N 15.00% Triton X-100 0.45% Sodium chlorite 0.64% Titanium dioxide 0.01% Water q.s.

The two gels are blended in approximately equal amounts, and applied as in Example 1. The adherent matrix (resulting from evaporation of the water) is resistant to removal by erosion and moisture, even in inclement weather, but may be removed by vigorous washing.

This example illustrates the use of a representative disinfecting composition of the present invention as a teat dip for application to cow udders, where the resulting adherent matrix has maximum ease of removability from the skin.

A protic acid gel is prepared as described in Example 2, and blended in equal amounts with a metal chlorite gel that is prepared as described in Example 1. After application to cow teats, the mixture dries to create an adherent matrix over the teat ends which shows moderate adherence to the teat, yet can be adequately removed during normal pre-milking washing of the udder so that there is little tendency for dried residues to build up and lead to irritation.

This example illustrates the use of a representative disinfecting composition of the present invention as a teat dip for application to cow udders, where the resulting adherent matrix provides a good balance of adherence to teat skin and ease of removability.

A protic acid gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Polyacrylamide 1.00% Lactic acid 2.64% Sodium benzoate 0.04% Poloxamer 188 0.40% FD&C Yellow # 5 0.30% Water q.s.

The metal chlorite gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Polyacrylamide 1.00% Polysulfonic acid, 16% solution 6.25% Triton X-100 0.45% Sodium chlorite 0.64% Titanium dioxide 0.01% Sodium hydroxide to pH 11 Water q.s.

The two gels are blended in approximately equal amounts, preferably just prior to application. The resulting gel is applied to the cow teat, forming a solid shield around the teat upon drying. The adherent matrix (resulting from evaporation of the water component) forms a protective barrier over the teat end which provides good adherence to the teat, along with ease of removability.

This example illustrates, for the purpose of comparison, the properties of a composition that employs polymer thickeners as gelling agents for the metal chlorite gel, where the gelling agent does not include polyacrylamide.

Example 1 is repeated, but hydroxyethyl cellulose is used at the same 2% level in place of the polyacrylamide for the metal chlorite gel. This gel is not stable for an acceptable period of time, since the cellulose gum depolymerizes and loses viscosity. In addition, when the metal chlorite gel is combined with the protic acid gel, the cellulose gum is more rapidly further depolymerized through oxidation by the chlorine dioxide created by the admixture. The use of a hydroxyethyl cellulose thickener for the metal chlorite gel in this manner results in a composition which shows a viscosity loss of more than 10% in three months, which is unacceptable for a commercial product.

This example illustrates the use of a representative disinfecting composition of the present invention as a skin disinfectant for use prior to surgery. The composition dries on the skin to form a protective adherent matrix after initial disinfection has taken place.

A protic acid gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Malic acid 2.00% Polyacrylamide 1.00% Isopropyl alcohol 25.0% Sodium benzoate 0.04% Deionized water q.s.

A metal chlorite gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Sodium chlorite 0.80% Polyacrylamide 1.00% Triton X-100 0.45% Isopropyl alcohol 25.0% Deionized water q.s.

The two gels are blended in approximately equal amounts, preferably just prior to application. The resulting disinfecting composition has an initial pH of 3.0, and is rubbed onto the skin for 1-2 minutes. Upon drying, the disinfected area develops a protective adherent matrix which prevents foreign bacteria from recontaminating the skin.

This example illustrates the use of a representative disinfecting composition of the present invention as a skin disinfectant for use prior to surgery, where the adherent matrix provides additional longer-lasting antimicrobial activity due to the nature and level of unconsumed acid activator.

A protic acid gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Mandelic acid 5.00% Sulfuric acid, 1N 2.00% Polyacrylamide 0.75% Poloxamer 188 0.62% Sodium benzoate 0.04% Isopropyl alcohol 15.00% Deionized water q.s.

A metal chlorite gel is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Sodium chlorite 1.00% Polyacrylamide 0.75% Octylphenoxypolyoxyethylene (N=12) 0.45% Polyethylene glycol 4600 0.30% Isopropyl alcohol 15.00% Tetrasodium edetate 0.19% Deionized water q.s.

The adherent matrix resulting from application of a mixture of equal parts of both gels to the skin has an initial pH of 2.55 and contains mandelic acid, which further destroys skin organisms not initially killed by the chlorous acid in the mixed composition. This is shown in the data presented in Table 1 below, which summarizes the data derived from application of this composition to the inguinal area of five (5) patients. The data are the logarithmic (and numerical) reductions of total skin flora, in cfu/cm² of skin, as compared with untreated inguinal areas at 10 minutes, 30 minutes and 4 hours after application of the composition to the skin. Logarithmic and Numerical Reduction of Inguinal Skin Microorganisms Time Logarithmic (Numerical) Reduction 10 minutes post application 3.36 logs (2,290) 30 minutes post application 4.44 logs (27,540) 4 hours post application 5.17 logs (147,900)

The data in Table 1 demonstrate that this disinfecting composition reduces the initial population of microorganisms by more than the FDA required 3.2 logs within 10 minutes of application, and that the composition retains its antimicrobial activity for at least 4 hours following application.

This example illustrates the use of the disinfecting composition provided in Example 6 for reducing microbial levels on skin prior to insertion of an indwelling catheter or prior to an injection with a hypodermic syringe. Using a panel of 10 human subjects, the antimicrobial effectiveness was compared, over a 72-hour period, with that of a standard 10% Povidone Iodine Paint (1.0% available iodine) on four anatomical sites; subclavian vein, femoral vein, median cubital vein near the forearm, and the deltoid region (the latter only for a 30-second, injection-related application). The average log reductions (and standard deviations) found for each of the sites, as compared with baseline values on adjacent skin site, as presented in Table 2 below (standard deviations given parenthetically below each figure): Skin Site Time Interval 30 sec. 24 hrs. 48 hrs. 72 hrs log reduction vs. baseline DELTOID Ex.6 Formula 1.85 --- --- --- (0.72) --- --- --- Pov. Iodine 1.42 --- --- --- (0.94) --- --- --- FEMORAL VEIN Ex.6 Formula 2.02 2.79 2.41 2.92 (1.46) (2.01) (1.67) (1.80) Pov. Iodine 1.26 1.78 2.55 3.40 (0.90) (1.39) (1.71) (2.26) SUBCLAVIAN VEIN Ex.6 Formula 2.02 1.22 1.95 2.03 (0.82) (1.47) (1.31) (1.97) Pov. Iodine 1.46 1.20 0.77 1.63 (1.23) (1.39) (2.01) (1.28) MEDIAN CUBITAL Ex.6 Formula 1.38 1.15 0.39 -0.25 (0.61) (0.98) (1.99) (1.63) Pov. Iodine 0.89 0.79 0.46 0.08 (1.47) (1.62) (1.46) (1.88)

It can be seen from the comparative data presented in Table 2 that the composition provided in Example 6 is capable of immediately reducing, and then maintaining for about 72 hours, the microbial population on various skin sites where injections or catheter insertions may take place. The data compare favorably with a standard commercial product currently being used for a similar disinfection, where that product is recognized as a skin irritant, and is counter-indicated in a significant number of people.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purpose of illustrating the invention, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention.